During his stay in Nenpur, over an ten-day period in 2020, Mahant Swami Maharaj composed a letter about ‘prapti-no kef’ (the intense joy of spiritual attainment). This letter formed the basis of the Sanyukta Din held in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj on Sunday 21 May 2023 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
Senior devotees began the day by singing kirtans related to various aspects of this theme in Swamishri’s puja. Young children also recited verses linked to specific aspects from that letter. In his morning blessings, Swamishri provided detailed guidance on how one can better realise the glory of this prapti through faith and divyabhav.
Sadguru Tyagvallabhdas Swami, Anandswarupdas Swami and Santcharitdas Swami further elaborated on the concept of prapti in a later morning session by drawing upon examples of ideal devotion from Swamishri’s life. Tyagvallabhdas Swami then led the thal-gaan offering to Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj.
The Sanyukta Din continued with an evening assembly which began with a deeper analysis of extracts from Mahant Swami Maharaj’s letter. The spiritual significance of various themes from this letter formed the basis of a panel discussion and discourses from swamis and senior volunteers.
Mahant Swami Maharaj was joyously welcomed to the programme with a vibrant dance. Following his arrival, the audience was taken on an eye-opening journey of a devotee named Yogesh, as he navigated through life’s trials and tribulations – conveyed through a captivating drama.
The drama charted three important junctures of Yogesh’s life – the first, when he arrived at a crossroads during his early youth period; thereafter, when he faced the challenges of a dilemma in prioritising his spiritual and family life; and finally, in the latter years of his life, where the enjoyment of spiritual bliss waned as he experienced the comforts of retirement.
At each juncture, esteemed and pious devotees from the past provided solace by accompanying Yogesh to the ‘Sahajanandi Darbar’, where Mahant Swami Maharaj was seated, and away from ‘Jagatno Bhandar’, a life of worldly pleasures and pitfalls. Swamishri was integrated into the drama and duly interacted with Yogesh, providing spiritual guidance and vigour. His transformation was supported by kirtans and narrations of excerpts from the Vachanamrut describing the greatness of God.
Swamishri’s actions and words throughout the evening created personal memories for thousands who witnessed the programme live at the Mandir and many more who were watching the online webcast.
An emotional and heartfelt prayer was offered to Mahant Swami Maharaj on behalf of all devotees. Swamishri waved a flag to affirm that true spiritual realisation will be achieved. He then blessed the assembly and provided concluding guidance, leaving all with a profound understanding of prapti and charging them with the conviction to strengthening their spiritual bond with God.